Housing murals, clay designs, and anything of artistic nature, art museums are the guardians of someone’s creativity. They allow visitors to feel and learn from the pieces inside them.
Some are first introduced to art museums as a kid. They might have wandered around a museum on a field trip or visited one on vacation. Whatever the case may be for visiting an art museum, looking at art can have a variety of benefits.
A 2011 study conducted by Education Next surveyed over 10,000 students ranging from kindergarten to 12 grade going on a field trip to an art museum. The survey found that the student’s critical thinking abilities were strengthened after attending the trip.
The students were able to write solid short essays about a painting they had never seen before due to their observations, interpretations, and evaluations of the painting.
On top of a boost in critical thinking skills, the students also developed more historical empathy and interest in art museums.
A separate experiment conducted in 2011 by a neuroscientist also revealed that looking at art results in a similar feeling of being in love. According to Art Fund, viewing artwork releases dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is the chemical that allows people to feel happiness.
Art has the ability to help us grow in our intelligence and feel more joy in our lives. Here are five art museums in Indiana to visit when you’re feeling curious:
Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana
Built in the downtown sector of the city, the Fort Wayne Museum of Art (FWMOA) is ideal for any field trip or family visit. Throughout the year, the museum displays over 20 diverse exhibitions. Their past exhibitions have included a painting by Salvador Dali, structures showing the evolution of the guitar, and photographs by local photographers that show the best of Fort Wayne. Housed with unique art from both local and foreign artists, FWMOA is great when looking for art that tells a story.
Exhibition to watch for: “Bill Blass: Fort Wayne’s Fashion Designer” running June 22, 2022 until September 18, 2022
Location: Lafayette, Indiana
Rich with history, the Haan building itself could pass for art. The museum is housed in a mansion that was originally called the Connecticut State building and was intended to be auctioned off at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. Eventually, the mansion was taken apart, moved to Lafayette, and first occupied by the Potter family. In 1984, the Haan family, who were invested in collecting art, purchased the mansion. The mansion was officially made solely an art museum in 2015 once the family moved to a new home. The museum features vintage furniture from the time it was built, with furniture created in the Renaissance Revival from 1860 to 1890. On top of the exhibits, paintings, and ceramics, the Haan offers a visit full of art and history.
What makes it unique: The Haan also features outdoor attractions, such as its Sculpture Garden. The 0.2 mile long garden features sculptures made from an array of materials, like bronze, metal, clay, and stone.
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
If an American history fan and an art lover had a baby, it’s first stop would be the Eiteljorg Museum. The museum thoroughly dissects both Western art and Native American art and is successful at doing so. The museum prides itself at having one of the top Native American art collections in the world. Dedicated to educating the public on the power and importance of Native art, a large portion of the museum has collections and exhibitions solely devoted to customary and contemporary Native American art. Along with Native Art, the establishment also exhibits art of different styles. For example, pop art created by the late Andy Warhol is on display currently. The exhibit features two portraits of Native American leaders, such as Geronimo of the Apache tribe and Sitting Bull of the Sioux tribe. With its inspiring mission to share history and the art that came from it, the Eiteljorg Museum is a must-visit.
Why this museum is important: Within the Midwest, the Eiteljorg Museum is the only art institution that thoroughly investigates and displays Western and Native American art.
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
If someone is looking for an opportunity to look at different styles of art from different parts of the world, they should check out the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Located on the Newfields property, some may know the museum for its exhibit, The Lume. The Lume is a digital art experience where visitors can fully immerse themselves in the gallery they’re viewing. Paintings are projected from the floor to the ceiling and work from artists like Vincent Van Gogh is on a constant loop. Visitors can experience The Lume until May 30. This museum also features exhibitions with unique work. On June 11, visitors can expect the “Little Cloud” exhibit which displays a sculpture of a smiling cloud. The Indianapolis Museum of Art is perfect for an immersive experience.
What makes it unique: Aside from its fresh exhibits, the museum is surrounded by the Virginia B. Fairbanks, which runs 100 acres long, along with various gardens.
Location: South Bend, Indiana
The South Bend Museum of Art advocates for creativity, curiosity, and the overall importance of art and emotion. The museum prides itself on its three pillars: see, belong, and make. The collections and exhibitions in the museum are dedicated to displaying distinctive art by artists from all over the country. With new exhibits every year, this museum is great for those looking for a simple art museum experience. It isn’t too large in size, but still houses unique art that’s worth checking out.
Exhibition to watch for: Eli Kahn’s “How Are You? No, Really…How Are You?” running from April 16 -July 3, 2022.
Sources: Education Next, Art Fund, Art Fund, Health Direct, Fort Wayne Museum of Art, Fort Wayne Museum of Art, Fort Wayne Museum of Art, Fort Wayne Museum of Art, Fort Wayne Museum of Art, The Haan, The Haan, Eiteljorg Museum, Eiteljorg Museum, Eiteljorg Museum, History, History, Discover Newfields, Discover Newfields, Discover Newfields, South Bend Art, South Bend Art
Featured Image: Shannon McCloskey
